A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intermittent enteral feedings. Which of the following is the first action the nurse should take?
Measure the client's gastric residual before each feeding.
Change the bag and tubing every 24 hr.
Document intake and output.
Flush the tubing with 30 mL of water after each feeding.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is Choice A - Measure the client's gastric residual before each feeding.
Choice A rationale:
The nurse's first action in caring for a client receiving intermittent enteral feedings should be to measure the client's gastric residual before each feeding. Gastric residual volume helps assess the client's tolerance to enteral feedings and can indicate delayed gastric emptying or potential complications like aspiration. If the residual volume is high, the nurse can collaborate with the healthcare team to determine whether to hold the feeding, adjust the feeding rate, or take other appropriate actions to ensure the client's safety and optimal nutritional status.
Choice B rationale:
Changing the enteral feeding bag and tubing every 24 hours is important to maintain the sterility and integrity of the feeding system. However, it is not the first action the nurse should take. The priority is to assess the client's tolerance to the feeding by measuring gastric residuals, which helps prevent complications.
Choice C rationale:
Documenting intake and output is a crucial aspect of nursing care for all clients, including those receiving enteral feedings. However, in the context of intermittent enteral feedings, measuring gastric residuals before each feeding is a more immediate and specific action to ensure the client's safety and well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Flushing the tubing with 30 mL of water after each feeding is important to prevent clogging and maintain the patency of the enteral feeding tube. However, this action is secondary to measuring gastric residuals, which directly assesses the client's tolerance to the feedings and helps prevent complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: A thready pulse.
Choice A rationale:
BUN (blood urea nitrogen) level of 18 mg/dL falls within the normal range, which is typically around 7-20 mg/dL. An elevated BUN might indicate dehydration or kidney dysfunction, but a value of 18 mg/dL does not necessarily suggest fluid volume deficit.
Choice B rationale:
A thready pulse is a weak and easily compressible pulse that indicates poor circulation and reduced fluid volume in the circulatory system. Vomiting and diarrhea lead to fluid loss, which can result in fluid volume deficit. Thus, a thready pulse is a significant finding in this context.
Choice C rationale:
Hemoglobin level of 15 g/dL is within the normal range for hemoglobin (usually around 12-16 g/dL for women and 14-18 g/dL for men). While vomiting and diarrhea can lead to mild dehydration, a hemoglobin level of 15 g/dL alone does not strongly suggest fluid volume deficit.
Choice D rationale:
Prominent neck veins are typically associated with increased central venous pressure, which can indicate fluid volume overload rather than fluid volume deficit. In the context of vomiting and diarrhea, neck veins are unlikely to become prominent due to volume depletion.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Use warm water when bathing the client.
Choice A rationale:
Using warm water when bathing helps maintain skin integrity by ensuring the skin is clean without causing excessive dryness or irritation. Warm water is gentle on the skin and helps in maintaining its natural moisture balance.
Choice B rationale:
Placing a donut-shaped cushion in the client’s chair is not recommended as it can cause pressure points and restrict blood flow, potentially leading to pressure ulcers.
Choice C rationale:
Massaging reddened areas over bony prominences is not advisable because it can cause further damage to already compromised skin and increase the risk of pressure ulcers.
Choice D rationale:
Maintaining the client in high-Fowler’s position for extended periods can increase pressure on the sacral area, leading to pressure ulcers. It is important to regularly reposition the client to alleviate pressure.
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